political views

[Deucemoi]

I am a vet. curious as to whether prostesting for a persons beliefs is a political statement or a right under the free expression clause of the constitution.

So just to clarify my own beliefs for which I served. I have no problem with refusing to salute the flag, stand for the national anthem or even doing something to the flag. It is part of the constitution I swore to defend, your right so long as you stay within its bounds and obey the laws we have set for ourselves. peaceful demonstration/protest is every persons right!

 

[JaniceM]

I am a vet. curious as to whether prostesting for a persons beliefs is a political statement or a right under the free expression clause of the constitution.

So just to clarify my own beliefs for which I served. I have no problem with refusing to salute the flag, stand for the national anthem or even doing something to the flag. It is part of the constitution I swore to defend, your right so long as you stay within its bounds and obey the laws we have set for ourselves. peaceful demonstration/protest is every persons right!

A problem I've already encountered: since the politics section was removed, I've been hesitating in posting because I'm not 100% certain what topics would be considered 'political.' I don't want to risk getting banned for unintentionally breaking rules.
The topic you posted is one example- if you're referring to recent news stories, I certainly have an opinion but don't know if I should say anything or not.

 

[IKE]

I'm also a vet and I know it's a persons LEGAL RIGHT to not stand during the national anthem, not to salute the flag or even set fire to the flag if they want to but it still really burns my a$$ when
they do.

 

[Sunny]

I can't imagine anyone disagreeing with you, Deuce.

Gotta say one thing for this latest brouhaha - today's newspaper was certainly interesting!

 

[Knight]

I think this is more about using the opening of a sports event as a means to support Colin Kaepernick. Otherwise off the field and as individuals what they want to express would probably not be noted.

The right to demonstrate is one of the better features of living in America. But for me when & how to demonstrate is similar to the right of free speech. Yelling fire can be useful or harmful depending on when & where. I think there can be harm done by group think instead of individual thinking.

 

[Macfan]

I'm a U.S. Army Veteran (1970 - 1978). I don't see Loving our Country, our Flag and standing for our National Anthem as being political. I see it as patriotic and a sign of Love and Respect for those that gave all to defend our way of life. Even though that way of life is currently under attack from all sides it would seem .

 

[tnthomas]

I'm a U.S. Army Veteran (1970 - 1978). I don't see Loving our Country, our Flag and standing for our National Anthem as being political. I see it as patriotic and a sign of Love and Respect for those that gave all to defend our way of life. Even though that way of life is currently under attack from all sides it would seem .

+1. Army vet ('69~'72) here too. I think there are other ways to express political dissent, rather than directing it towards the flag, or national anthem. However, as long as whatever a political dissident is doing is not illegal or hurting anyone, I got no problem with it.

 

[JaniceM]

I'm a U.S. Army Veteran (1970 - 1978). I don't see Loving our Country, our Flag and standing for our National Anthem as being political. I see it as patriotic and a sign of Love and Respect for those that gave all to defend our way of life. Even though that way of life is currently under attack from all sides it would seem .

Cool. I hope Admins agree, because I don't want to get kicked out.

Personally, I consider the goings-on with the football players in the same light as another sports 'icon' in the past:
Agreeing wholeheartedly with the older generation, if Clay/Ali was not willing to defend his country, he should not have been allowed to represent it (in the boxing ring) either; and if the football players want to disrespect the National Anthem and what it stands for, they should be fired, too.

What steamed me even more about the latter, though, is individuals (journalists, etc.) trying to make it about race. It doesn't matter what race anyone is- wrong is wrong.

 

[jujube]

Widow of an Army vet, girlfriend of a Navy vet, daughter of a Navy vet here.

The players have the legal right to observe the playing of the National Anthem as they please. I have the right to consider them scum when they observe it by dishonoring it.

I can't swear to stop attending games because we've never attended games to begin with, but I can say that professional football will no longer be watched in this house. That has been decreed by the Navy vet I live with and he's a huge pro football fan. I agree wholeheartedly.

 

[helenbacque]

No one should disrespect the patriotic symbols of their own country but just as you cannot legislate morality, you also cannot legislate patriotism or respect.

I see this latest situation with sports figures as a means of 'stirring the pot' and gaining personal publicity, not as defending a cause.